Obtaining a Copy of Your Birth Certificate

When you are applying for immigration, the USCIS officer verifies your legal name, which is primarily done with a birth certificate. A Birth certificate is a document used by the USCIS office to identify the information about an individual, such as the name of the parents, the name of the person, their surnames, the place of birth, and other related information. 

It is a valid document that certifies the whereabouts and concludes the authenticity of the applicant’s existence.

Why is a Birth Certificate Important for immigration?

A birth certificate is generally issued by the government of your country; without it, any immigration authority may delay or reject your application. It is used to establish your identity and citizenship, and it contains crucial details about your birth, such as your full name, date, and place of birth, as well as your parents’ names. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) uses this information to verify your identity and ensure your immigration application is accurate.

What Should the Birth Certificate Include?

For immigration purposes, the birth certificate must be a certified copy, typically the long-form version. This certified copy should include the following details:

1. Your Full Name
2. Date of Birth
3. Place of Birth
4. Parents’ Full Names
5. Official Seal
6. Registration Date
7. Issue Date

What if My Birth Certificate is an “Extract”?

In some countries, birth certificates are issued as extracts, which are abbreviated versions of the original document but this extract must include all the essential details which are mentioned above, and as long as it has your full name, date of birth, place of birth, parent’s names, and the official seal, it should be acceptable.

Where Can I Get a Certified Copy of My Birth Certificate?

1. If You Were Born in the United States:  In the United States, the process of getting a birth certificate can vary because each state has its own vital records office.  You will have to visit the vital records office in the state where you were born and get your certificate. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a list of vital records offices, as well as the contact information, along with the cost of obtaining an official copy.
2. If You Were Born Abroad: If you were born outside the United States, you must get a certified copy of your birth certificate from the government office in your birth country. On the U.S. Department of State website, you can find details on how to get your birth certificate from different countries. To use the website,
   • Click on the letter that your country’s name starts with, 
   • Then, choose your country, 
   • Click the “Birth, Death, Burial Certificates” tab. 

This will show you the name of the office that issues birth certificates, the current fee, and how to get an official copy.

What if My Birth Certificate is Unavailable?

If the information for your birth country specifies that birth certificates are “unavailable” or “non-existent,” you will not be required to submit this document, and other alternative documents will be required.

What Alternative Documents can be submitted if a Birth certificate is not available?

When you are unable to give a certified copy of your birth certificate, then you must submit a notarized personal affidavit, which gives a written explanation describing the facts of your birth and explains why you are not able to provide the certified copy to the immigration office. You should be as specific and detailed as possible in your explanation.

In addition to the affidavit, you must provide a of secondary evidence of the following:

1. A Baptismal Certificate: This must include your name, date of birth, and the names of your parents.
2. Census Records: Any census record that lists your name and birth details can serve as secondary evidence.
3. A Birth Certificate Issued by a Local or Military Hospital: If you were born in a hospital that issues birth certificates, this document can be used as secondary evidence.
4. Certification of Birth from the Doctor Who Delivered You: If available, this certification can also serve as secondary evidence.
5. An Official Document from Your Home Country’s Government: If your birth certificate is unavailable, an official statement from the relevant government agency explaining the unavailability of your birth record can be submitted.

Conclusion

A birth certificate is essential for verifying your identity during the immigration process. 

Do you need your birth certificate quickly and securely? 

FileRight makes it simple with our easy online process. Follow three straightforward steps: First, complete your application online in minutes. 

Next, mail in your required documents. 

Finally, receive your birth certificate without the hassle. With our secure system, you can confidently obtain your birth certificate, knowing your personal information is protected.